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This is the first of our REPLAY podcasts, where we revisit some of our early hidden gems, compilations, and most popular episodes.  

Episode specific description:
Prepare yourselves, film buffs and cinema enthusiasts, as we embark on a fascinating journey through the ever-evolving film and home entertainment industries with none other than George Feltonstein of Warner Brothers. We'll be tracing George's illustrious career, from his roots in MGM UA to his current role in preserving classic films at Warner Brothers. He'll also share his insights on the marketing and distribution of these timeless creations, and his role as the producer for over 100 restored soundtrack album CDs. 

In our conversation, we venture into the realm of technology's transformative impact on home entertainment. We unpack the revolutionary influence of the laserdisc format, the innovative extras MGM included in the Wizard of Oz anniversary edition, and the game-changing introduction of the DVD format by Warren Lieberfab in 1996. 

Brace yourselves as George and I tango with the complex dance of niche audiences, film preservation, and profitability in the cinematic world. We'll delve into his experiences in catalog marketing during the heyday of VHS and DVD, explore the rise of brand marketing, and dissect the success of film franchises like Forbidden Hollywood. On top of that, we'll also touch on the allure of precode and film noir films for younger audiences, the crucial role of technology in film preservation, and Warner Brother's unique relationship with UCLA. Trust me, you don't want to miss the stories behind the preservation of classic films such as The Wizard of Oz, Casablanca, and Singin' in the Rain, and the paramount importance of preserving the tales behind these films' creation.

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As an Amazon Affiliate, The Extras may receive a commission for purchases through our purchase links. There is no additional cost to you, and every little bit helps us in the production of the podcast. Thanks in advance.

Otaku Media produces podcasts, behind-the-scenes extras, and media that connect creatives with their fans and businesses with their consumers. Contact us today to see how we can work together to achieve your goals. t[email protected]

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George Feltenstein of Warner Bros joins the podcast to review 5 films from the 1950s now available on Blu-ray from the Warner Archive.  We discuss the merits of the films, the restoration, and all of the EXTRAS so that you can make an informed buying decision.

First up is the women's prison drama, "Caged" (1950), starring Eleanor Parker, Agnes Moorehead, and Hope Emerson.  We break down the exceptional performances in this socially conscious drama that make the film still relevant today.
Next is the noir thriller "The Damned Don't Cry" (1950), featuring a powerful performance by Joan Crawford, and strong supporting performances by David Brian, Steve Cochran, Kent Smith.  For years this was an underrated film, but now it has returned to its rightful place as one of Joan Crawford's best.  Loaded with extras, this remastered release has never looked or sounded better.
Then put on your seatbelt, as we examine the RKO noir classic "Angel Face" (1953) starring Robert Mitchum and a dazzling performance by the beautiful Jean Simmons. A new 4K scan restores this film to its original luster making for a mesmerizing viewing experience.
Our next film is pure entertainment, as we review the 1953 MGM musical "Dangerous When Wet" starring "America's Mermaid" Esther Williams, Fernando Lamas, Jack Carson, Charlotte Greenwood, and Denise Darcel. This new 4K scan of the original technicolor camera negatives plus a disk packed with Extras makes for a tremendous new release.
And we finish with a review of the lyrical classic "The Old Man and the Sea" (1958).  Writer Earnest Hemingway requested star Spencer Tracy and Tracy's performance earned him another Academy Award nomination.  A new 4K scan of the original color camera negative returns the film to its original beauty, and restored audio means that Dimitri Tiomkin's Oscar-winning score has never sounded better.
Purchase on Amazon:
CAGED (1950)
ANGEL FACE (1953)
THE DAMNED DON’T CRY (1950)
DANGEROUS WHEN WET (1953)
THE OLD MAN AND THE SEA (1958) 

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As an Amazon Affiliate, The Extras may receive a commission for purchases through our purchase links. There is no additional cost to you, and every little bit helps us in the production of the podcast. Thanks in advance.

Otaku Media produces podcasts, behind-the-scenes extras, and media that connect creatives with their fans and businesses with their consumers. Contact us today to see how we can work together to achieve your goals. t[email protected]

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Ever wondered about the painstaking work that goes into restoring and releasing classic television series on DVD? Join our conversation with attorney, archivist, historian and Executive Producer Andrew J. Klyde, the mastermind behind the recent complete series DVD release by Paramount - CBS Home Entertainment in North America of the beloved Western, BONANZA. 

From the first episode broadcast in Living Color on NBC in 1959 until the last show aired in 1973, BONANZA was “Appointment TV” for more than a decade. Every Sunday after watching the Ed Sullivan Show on CBS, millions of viewers changed channels to catch the adventures of the Cartwright family on BONANZA on NBC. Listen to Andrew's fascinating insights about the mammoth task of restoring and remastering all 431 episodes of the iconic series, and how he got his start in DVD extras and restoration for classic television.
 
 Learn the story of discovering rare, unseen footage from the pilot episode, and the challenges of the restoration process. Discover the devotion of BONANZA fans worldwide, and the myriad efforts Andrew employs to clear legal hurdles and include footage of beloved actors Lorne Greene, Pernell Roberts, Dan Blocker and Michael Landon performing (and sometimes singing) far from the Ponderosa. We also discuss delays caused by the pandemic and personnel changes at CBS, and how Andrew's persistence ultimately led to the simultaneous release of the final seasons and the entire series, plus a bonus disc.
 
 Finally, discover the fun, behind-the-scenes stories that help explain BONANZA’s classic, timeless and worldwide appeal. Learn about outtakes, wrap parties featuring never-before-heard recollections, rare episode trailers and Chevrolet and RCA commercials with cast members. Andrew shares his experience of finding priceless extras like films of personal appearances, unearthing forgotten footage in archives scattered across the globe, reaching out to BONANZA alumni and popular culture scholars to record new commentaries, and the hunt for rare photos – many scanned for the first time from negatives and color transparencies in storage for decades – plus hours of priceless material gathered for the first time for a special bonus disc accompanying the official complete series release.
Purchase on Amazon:
BONANZA: THE OFFICIAL COMPLETE SERIES
BONANZA: THE OFFICIAL TWELFTH SEASON
BONANZA: THE OFFICIAL THIRTEENTH SEASON
BONANZA: THE OFFICIAL FOURTEENTH SEASON
BONANZA: THE OFFICIAL SECOND SEASON

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As an Amazon Affiliate, The Extras may receive a commission for purchases through our purchase links. There is no additional cost to you, and every little bit helps us in the production of the podcast. Thanks in advance.

Otaku Media produces podcasts, behind-the-scenes extras, and media that connect creatives with their fans and businesses with their consumers. Contact us today to see how we can work together to achieve your goals. t[email protected]

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George Feltenstein of the Warner Archive joins the podcast for a fun and informative review of two May Blu-ray releases.   We dive into the restoration and all of the extras on each release and share our insights into why these films are worth adding to your Blu-ray collection.

THE BOY WITH GREEN HAIR (1948) tells the supernatural-tinged story of an orphan who finds a safe haven in small-town America until the day his hair turns green.  The film is a call for tolerance with an inspiring statement that "different" doesn't mean "threatening."  The film boasts a fine cast (Robert Ryan, Pat O'Brien, Dean Stockwell), a popular theme song (Nature Boy) and the feature-film debut of director Joseph Losey (The Servant, The Go-Between).

HEY THERE, IT'S YOGI BEAR (1964) was Hanna-Barbera's first animated theatrical feature film.  George provides background on Hannah Barbara studios and gives an update on the status of future Hannah Barbara releases.

Purchase on Amazon:
THE BOY WITH GREEN HAIR
HEY THERE, IT'S YOGI BEAR

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Support the podcast by shopping with our Amazon Affiliate link

MovieZyng Affiliate
The BEST place to buy all of your Warner Archive and Boutique DVDs and Blu-rays

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

The Extras Facebook page
The Extras Twitter
Warner Archive & Warner Bros Catalog Group

As an Amazon Affiliate, The Extras may receive a commission for purchases through our purchase links. There is no additional cost to you, and every little bit helps us in the production of the podcast. Thanks in advance.

Otaku Media produces podcasts, behind-the-scenes extras, and media that connect creatives with their fans and businesses with their consumers. Contact us today to see how we can work together to achieve your goals. t[email protected]

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George Feltenstein joins the podcast to announce the six new Blu-rays releasing in July from the Warner Archive.

MovieZyng Affiliate
The BEST place to buy all of your Warner Archive and Boutique DVDs and Blu-rays

Warner Archive Store on Amazon
Support the podcast by shopping with our Amazon Affiliate link

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

The Extras Facebook page
The Extras Twitter
Warner Archive & Warner Bros Catalog Group

As an Amazon Affiliate, The Extras may receive a commission for purchases through our purchase links. There is no additional cost to you, and every little bit helps us in the production of the podcast. Thanks in advance.

Otaku Media produces podcasts, behind-the-scenes extras, and media that connect creatives with their fans and businesses with their consumers. Contact us today to see how we can work together to achieve your goals. t[email protected]

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George Feltenstein of the Warner Archive joins the podcast for a fun and informative review of three May Blu-ray releases.   We dive into the restoration and all of the extras on each release and share our insights into why these films are worth adding to your Blu-ray collection.

In "Queen Christina" (1933) Greta Garbo stars in one of her greatest roles, as the 17th-century Swedish queen fiercely devoted to her country who fights at the head of her army like a man but who loves like a woman. Directed with his own unique style by Rouben Mamoulian, this M-G-M classic endures as a masterpiece of classic cinema.

Stewart Granger and Deborah Kerr star in the adventure story "King Solomon's Mines" (1950), all shot on location in Africa.  Granger plays Quatermain in this M-G-M adaptation that was nominated for the Best Picture Oscar® and won the awards for Best Color Cinematography and Best Editing. Deborah Kerr plays the plain Englishwoman who hires Quatermain to lead the hunt for her missing husband, even though no safari has ever returned from uninhabited regions their expeditions must cross.

Child star Ron Howard joins Glenn Ford in the delightful romantic comedy "The Courtship of Eddie's Father" (1963).  Shirley Jones, Stella Stevens, and Dina Merrill play the potential new Mrs. Corbett, in this earnest and stylish film directed by the iconic Vincente Minnelli.

Purchase now on Amazon:
Queen Christina Blu-ray
King Solomon's Mines Blu-ray
The Courtship of Eddie's Father Blu-ray

Warner Archive Store on Amazon
Support the podcast by shopping with our Amazon Affiliate link

MovieZyng Affiliate
The BEST place to buy all of your Warner Archive and Boutique DVDs and Blu-rays

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

The Extras Facebook page
The Extras Twitter
Warner Archive & Warner Bros Catalog Group

As an Amazon Affiliate, The Extras may receive a commission for purchases through our purchase links. There is no additional cost to you, and every little bit helps us in the production of the podcast. Thanks in advance.

Otaku Media produces podcasts, behind-the-scenes extras, and media that connect creatives with their fans and businesses with their consumers. Contact us today to see how we can work together to achieve your goals. t[email protected]

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SUPERMAN II: The Richard Donner Cut is one of the most interesting Home Entertainment stories in film history.  Released in 2006, this version of the movie captures the original vision director Dick Donner had for the second of his two Superman movies. 

In part 2 of our Superman podcasts, we go into the origins of the "Richard Donner Cut" starting with the unauthorized superfan cut and Michael Thau's initial conversations with the studio and their interest in a Donner Cut.  Then we dive into the behind-the-scenes stories of the editing, production, and marketing of the film, including insights into how Dick Donner felt about the film and the fan reception.  And  we wrap up the discussion by looking at the impact of this film on the Home Entertainment industry and its love of "extended editions" and "director's cuts."

The Guests:
Michael Thau first worked with director Richard Donner on "Ladyhawk." He led the restoration of Superman and was the driving force behind "Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut".
Derek Hoffman was Dick Donner's assistant then, following in the footsteps of Geoff Johns (DC) and Kevin Feige (Marvel).  He is currently a VP at The Donners' Company.
Jonathan Gaines is a pioneer extras content creator going back to the days of Laserdisc. He worked with Michael on both the restoration and produced the Extras content.

Purchase on Amazon:
SUPERMAN 4K 5-FILM COLLECTION BOX SET
SUPERMAN: THE MOVIE 4K
SUPERMAN II: THE RICHARD DONNER CUT BLU-RAY

Warner Archive Store on Amazon
Support the podcast by shopping with our Amazon Affiliate link

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

The Extras Facebook page
The Extras Twitter
Warner Archive & Warner Bros Catalog Group

As an Amazon Affiliate, The Extras may receive a commission for purchases through our purchase links. There is no additional cost to you, and every little bit helps us in the production of the podcast. Thanks in advance.

Otaku Media produces podcasts, behind-the-scenes extras, and media that connect creatives with their fans and businesses with their consumers. Contact us today to see how we can work together to achieve your goals. t[email protected]

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George Feltenstein of the Warner Archive and animation historian Jerry Beck provide background on the history of Looney Tunes releases on physical media, and their pivotal roles in bringing these classic short films to the home video market. They also talk about the importance of collectors and fans to the process of finding and funding both present and future preservation efforts.  This is all terrific background leading up to a preview of what is on the new LOONEY TUNES COLLECTOR’S CHOICE VOL 1 Blu-ray releasing May 30th.

Pre-order on Amazon:
Looney Tunes Collector's Choice Vol. 1 Blu-ray

Warner Archive Store on Amazon
Support the podcast by shopping with our Amazon Affiliate link

MovieZyng Affiliate
The BEST place to buy all of your Warner Archive and Boutique DVDs and Blu-rays

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

The Extras Facebook page
The Extras Twitter
Warner Archive & Warner Bros Catalog Group

As an Amazon Affiliate, The Extras may receive a commission for purchases through our purchase links. There is no additional cost to you, and every little bit helps us in the production of the podcast. Thanks in advance.

Otaku Media produces podcasts, behind-the-scenes extras, and media that connect creatives with their fans and businesses with their consumers. Contact us today to see how we can work together to achieve your goals. t[email protected]

Send us a text

George Feltenstein joins the podcast to announce the six new Blu-rays releasing in June from the Warner Archive.

Warner Archive Store on Amazon
Support the podcast by shopping with our Amazon Affiliate link

MovieZyng Affiliate
The BEST place to buy all of your Warner Archive and Boutique DVDs and Blu-rays

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

The Extras Facebook page
The Extras Twitter
Warner Archive & Warner Bros Catalog Group

As an Amazon Affiliate, The Extras may receive a commission for purchases through our purchase links. There is no additional cost to you, and every little bit helps us in the production of the podcast. Thanks in advance.

Otaku Media produces podcasts, behind-the-scenes extras, and media that connect creatives with their fans and businesses with their consumers. Contact us today to see how we can work together to achieve your goals. t[email protected]

Send us a text

SUPERMAN is one of the most revered superhero films of all time and is credited with launching the modern superhero film craze.   But it also has one of the most interesting and controversial behind-the-scenes stories in film history.  

In this episode we are joined by three esteemed guests who worked with director Dick Donner on the "Superman: The Movie" restoration for DVD.  They tell stories of working with Dick, the actual logistics around the restoration work, and the impact it had on both Dick and Superman fans.  Their close working relationship with Dick allowed each of them to see just how emotional, and sometimes painful, it was for Dick to revisit the movie to do the restoration.  They share their memories, give us peeks into what Dick was feeling, and shed light on the burgeoning DVD market of the early 2000s.

The Guests:
Michael Thau first worked with director Richard Donner on "Ladyhawk." He led the restoration of Superman and was the driving force behind "Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut".
Derek Hoffman was Dick Donner's assistant then, following in the footsteps of Geoff Johns (DC) and Kevin Feige (Marvel).  He is currently a VP at The Donners' Company.
Jonathan Gaines is a pioneer extras content creator going back to the days of Laserdisc. He worked with Michael on both the restoration and produced the Extras content.

Purchase on Amazon:
SUPERMAN 4K 5-FILM COLLECTION BOX SET
SUPERMAN: THE MOVIE 4K
SUPERMAN II: THE RICHARD DONNER CUT BLU-RAY

The Extras Facebook page
The Extras Twitter
Warner Archive & Warner Bros Catalog Group

As an Amazon Affiliate, The Extras may receive a commission for purchases through our purchase links. There is no additional cost to you, and every little bit helps us in the production of the podcast. Thanks in advance.

Otaku Media produces podcasts, behind-the-scenes extras, and media that connect creatives with their fans and businesses with their consumers. Contact us today to see how we can work together to achieve your goals. t[email protected]